Tire Rotation Detection Using Accelerometer Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) face challenges in precisely and stably detecting tire rotation at low speeds due to measurement errors and precision issues with existing sensor technologies.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a processor with computer code that uses a first timer and an accelerometer to measure acceleration, setting thresholds for determining tire rotation, and a second timer to manage detection accuracy, along with a radio frequency output device for communication, enabling reliable tire rotation detection even with low precision accelerometers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional threshold-based detection is used to determine tire rotation, then detection simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates at low speeds due to accelerometer errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidtire rotation detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by accumulating acceleration data over multiple rotation cycles before making a determination. Instead of relying on a single threshold comparison, the system collects multiple measurements and processes them collectively to determine tire rotation status, thereby improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If high precision accelerometers are used to improve low speed detection, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacceleration measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a reference pattern by accumulating acceleration data during normal operation and uses this reference to detect tire rotation. Instead of relying on expensive high-precision sensors, the system copies and compares acceleration patterns over time, using the accumulated data as a reference model for detection. This approach achieves high precision detection using standard, low-cost accelerometers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If continuous acceleration monitoring is performed to ensure accurate tire rotation detection, then reliability improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetire rotation detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by monitoring acceleration continuously but performing comprehensive analysis only at predetermined intervals or when specific conditions are met. The processor accumulates data periodically and executes detection algorithms at these intervals rather than continuously, thereby maintaining reliable detection while significantly reducing power consumption during data processing and communication phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves precise and stable detection of tire rotation across a range of speeds, reducing measurement errors and power consumption, ensuring reliable operation from low to high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

accelerometer 106 incorporated within sensor module 100, centrifugal force FC acts in the radial direction or normal direction (where center O is the axis of rotation) on accelerometer 106

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the force of gravity FG acts in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7930132B2Tire rotation detection system and method
Publication Date: 2011.04.19 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US7930132B2 patent drawing
  • US7930132B2 patent drawing
  • US7930132B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining whether a tire is in rotation is provided. A measured acceleration is compared to a first threshold after a first timer indicates that a first period has lapsed, and indication that the tire is in rotation is provided if at least one of the measured accelerations is greater than the first threshold. If an absolute difference between consecutive measured accelerations is greater than a second threshold, an indication that the tire is in rotation is also provided. Additionally, the second timer is started if the absolute difference is greater than the second threshold and if a second timer is not running, and indication that the tire is rotating is provided if the absolute difference is less than a predetermined threshold and if the second timer is running.